How we book appointments is changing

The government have recently announced that it recognises that there is a problem in general practice with accessing appointments. Therefore NHS England have stated that the GP contract for April 2023 will be updated to reflect that patients should be offered an assessment of need, or signposted to an appropriate service, at first contact with the practice without the need to call at specific times.

The new system is designed to make sure patients can be directed to the most appropriate clinician when calling to book an appointment. We will continue to offer a range of appointment types, designed to provide the best quality routine care to our patients. This may include an appointment with the ANP, physio therapy appointments, referrals to the community pharmacy or information given to further services we can offer.

Patents needing an urgent appointment will be asked a set of questions designed by our GP's, to ensure the receptionist can triage patients appropriately.

Please be patient when contacting the practice, this is a new system for both patients and our receptionists and we are doing do our best to ensure you receive the highest quality care.

There are no changes planned for appointments with the nurses and healthcare assistants (including blood tests) which can still be booked in the usual way by calling reception.

Emergency appointments

If all the 'Same Day' appointments have been taken, and you feel unable to wait until another day. The Reception Team will take a telephone number and speak to the doctor on call. The doctor has the ability to offer an appointment if necessary or give telephone advice.

Training Practice

We are a training practice for medical students and occasionally we will ask if you are happy being seen with a medical student as well as your GP. If you are not happy to have a student present in the consultation please let the receptionist know at the time of booking your appointment.

For all appointments call 01455 822171 or 01455 290200

Home visits

We can offer home visits for housebound patients. These will either be carried out by our GPs or the Acute Visiting Service which we can now refer to. Please contact the surgery for more information regarding home visits.

Enhanced Access appointments

We are increasing the number of appointments available for you to see a GP in the early mornings, evenings or at weekends across West Leicestershire.

Depending on your individual circumstances and symptoms, we may offer you an 'extended access' appointment. Please note however, that these appointments will not be in your usual GP practice and may not be with one of your usual GPs or nurses.

Depending on the reason for your appointment, and if you are in agreement, it may be suitable for you to see an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, instead of a GP.

The clinician you see will be able to access relevant sections of your medical notes and will communicate what has happened during your appointment back to your usual GP practice.

These appointments will be available at the following locations:

• Newbold Verdon Medical Practice
• Loughborough Urgent Care Centre at Loughborough Community Hospital
• Coalville Community Hospital
• Hinckley and Bosworth Community Hospital

You can book appointments for these clinics on the NHS App or by speaking to one of the reception team

Cancellations

If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to offer the appointment to someone else. The practice has wasted appointments on a daily basis.

Advanced Nurse Practitioners

For an urgent appointment we will offer you an appointment with a Advanced Nurse Practitioner if appropriare. ANP's are qualified to deal with the majority of minor illness ailments and you may be seen more quickly.